Yes, you can absolutely change out your kitchen sink faucet yourself with basic tools and some patience. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from shutting off the water to enjoying your shiny new fixture. Replacing a kitchen faucet is a common DIY plumbing job that saves money and updates the look of your sink area.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
Before you start, get everything ready. Having the right tools makes the job much smoother. You will need to gather these items before you disconnect old faucet.
| Tool/Supply | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Faucet Assembly | The replacement fixture | Make sure it fits your sink holes. |
| Basin Wrench (or Faucet Wrench) | Essential for reaching tight spots | This tool grips nuts well in cramped spaces. |
| Adjustable Wrench or Pliers | For disconnect water lines | Use two wrenches if possible for better control. |
| Screwdriver Set (Phillips and Flathead) | To remove mounting hardware or sprayer heads | Check what kind of screws your old faucet uses. |
| Bucket and Old Towels | To catch drips and spills | Water will always come out of the lines. |
| Safety Glasses | To protect your eyes | Debris can fall from under the sink. |
| Plumber’s Putty or Silicone Caulk | To seal new faucet base | Check your new faucet instructions for the best material. |
| Utility Knife or Putty Knife | To scrape off old caulk or putty | Be careful not to scratch the sink surface. |
| Flashlight or Headlamp | For working in the dark plumbing under sink area | Good light is very important. |
| Rags and Cleaning Solution | To clean the area before install new sink faucet | A clean surface helps the new sealant stick. |
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Proper prep work stops leaks and makes the installation easier. Think of this as the foundation for your kitchen faucet replacement steps.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
This is the most crucial first step. You must stop the water flow before working on any connections.
- Locate the Shutoff Valves: Look beneath the sink cabinet. You should see two small valves, usually chrome. One controls the hot water line, and the other controls the cold water line.
- Turn Off the Water: Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. Turn them firmly, but do not force them so hard that you break the valve stem.
- Test the Lines: Turn on the old faucet handles above the sink. A small amount of water might drain out, but the flow should stop completely. If water still flows strongly, the valves are not fully closed. You might need to turn off the main water supply to your house in that case.
Clearing the Workspace
The space under the sink gets cluttered fast. You need room to move your arms and tools.
- Empty the Cabinet: Take everything out from under the sink—cleaning supplies, trash bins, everything.
- Position Yourself Comfortably: Lay down an old towel or blanket outside the cabinet door. You will be lying on the floor or bending awkwardly. A small, thin cushion can help comfort your back.
- Place Your Bucket: Position a small bucket directly under the water lines you plan to disconnect. Have rags ready for immediate cleanup.
Removing the Old Faucet
Now it is time to remove old kitchen faucet. This is often the hardest part because old fittings get stuck with corrosion and time.
Disconnecting the Water Supply Lines
You need to separate the flexible supply lines from the shutoff valves.
- Identify Connections: Trace the lines running from the faucet down to the valves. These lines are usually connected with a nut.
- Use Two Wrenches: Use one adjustable wrench to hold the body of the shutoff valve steady. Use the second wrench to loosen the supply line nut attached to the valve. Holding the valve steady prevents twisting or damaging the pipe coming out of the wall or floor.
- Catch the Water: Even with the main valves off, some water stays in the lines. Let this water drip into your waiting bucket.
- Disconnect at the Faucet (If Necessary): Some modern faucets have supply lines that disconnect right at the base of the faucet shank itself, rather than at the valves. If yours do, disconnect water lines here using your basin wrench or pliers.
Detaching the Mounting Hardware
The faucet is held onto the sink from below by a bracket and large nuts. This is where the basin wrench shines.
- Locate the Mounting Nut: Look up at the underside of the sink bowl where the faucet base sits. You will see one or more large nuts, often called the mounting nut faucet. These hold the entire fixture tight against the countertop.
- Apply the Basin Wrench: Fit the jaws of your basin wrench onto the large nut. Turn the nut counter-clockwise to loosen it. This requires significant force sometimes because they are often overtightened.
- Remove Hardware: Once the nut is loose, unscrew it completely. You might also need to remove any washers or retaining clips attached to the faucet shanks.
- Check for Sprayers or Soap Dispensers: If your old setup had a side sprayer or a soap dispenser, they also have supply tubes running down. Disconnect these fittings as well, following the same process of loosening nuts.
Lifting Out the Old Fixture
With all connections freed, the old faucet is ready to come out.
- From Above: Go back above the sink. Gently wiggle the faucet body. If it seems stuck, rock it back and forth slightly.
- Scrape Off Old Sealant: The base of the old faucet is stuck to the sink with old putty or caulk. Use your putty knife to gently slice through this seal. Be gentle near the sink surface, especially if it is composite or porcelain.
- Pull It Out: Lift the old faucet straight up and out of the holes. It can be heavy, so be prepared.
Cleaning and Preparing the Sink Surface
A clean surface ensures your new faucet sits flat and seals perfectly. This step is vital for making sure the seal new faucet base holds up long-term.
- Scrape Residue: Use your putty knife or a gentle abrasive pad to remove all traces of old plumber’s putty, caulk, or mineral deposits from the area where the faucet will sit.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wipe the area down with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol. The surface must be completely dry and clean for the new sealant to bond properly.
Installing the New Faucet
It is time to install new sink faucet! Read the instructions that came with your new fixture very carefully, as designs vary greatly.
Pre-Assembling Components
Many new faucets require attaching parts to the faucet body before putting it into the sink hole.
- Attach Supply Lines (If Needed): Some high-end faucets come with integrated supply lines. Others require you to screw the flexible hot/cold lines into the base of the new faucet body. Hand-tighten these first, then snug them gently with a wrench. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the fittings.
- Install Deck Plate (Escutcheon): If your sink has three holes but your new faucet only uses one (a single-hole design), you must use the provided deck plate (escutcheon) to cover the unused holes.
- Apply the Sealant: Place a thin bead of plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the underside edge of the new faucet base or the deck plate. This creates a waterproof barrier between the faucet and the sink deck.
Mounting the Faucet Body
This is the reverse of removal, but often trickier because you are working blind under the sink.
- Place the Faucet: Carefully feed the supply lines and shanks of the new faucet through the hole(s) in the sink deck. Ensure the faucet is straight and correctly oriented above the sink bowl.
- Secure from Below: Get back under the sink with your bucket and tools.
- Install Mounting Hardware: Slide the rubber gasket, metal washer, and finally the mounting nut faucet (or bracket) onto the faucet shanks, resting them against the underside of the sink.
- Hand Tighten: Screw the nut(s) on by hand until they catch the threads.
- Align and Tighten: Have a helper hold the faucet straight above the sink, or use tape to temporarily secure it if possible. Now, use your basin wrench or the specialized tool provided with your faucet to tighten the mounting nut. Tighten it firmly until the faucet does not wiggle at all. Check above the sink again to confirm it is perfectly straight. Do not overtighten to the point of cracking a porcelain sink.
Connecting the Water Lines
Now we connect the new faucet to the house water supply. This is critical for leak prevention when you replace kitchen faucet.
Connecting Supply Lines to Valves
- Thread Lines: Connect the new flexible supply lines coming down from the faucet to the corresponding shutoff valves (hot to hot, cold to cold).
- Hand Tighten First: Start threading the connection nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading the fittings.
- Wrench Tighten: Once hand-tight, use your adjustable wrench to tighten faucet lines. Tighten them about a quarter to a half turn more. You need a firm connection, but excessive force can damage the compression fittings inside the nuts. If you hear squeaking, stop tightening.
Attaching Sprayer or Soap Dispenser Lines (If Applicable)
If your faucet has a pull-down sprayer, you need to attach the hose weight and sometimes connect the sprayer hose to a quick-connect fitting near the base.
- Install the Weight: Snap the provided weight onto the sprayer hose loop underneath the sink. This weight ensures the sprayer head retracts smoothly back into the spout after use.
- Connect Hoses: If there is a quick-connect fitting, push the sprayer hose firmly into the mating piece until you hear a solid click. Tug lightly to confirm it is locked.
Final Checks and Testing
You have completed the main installation work. Now, we test everything before putting your cleaning supplies back under the sink.
Clearing Air from the Lines
Before turning the water on fully, it is wise to remove any air trapped in the new faucet lines.
- Remove the Aerator: Unscrew the screen tip (aerator) from the end of the faucet spout. This prevents debris from getting stuck in the small screen.
- Turn Water On Slowly: Go under the sink. Slowly turn the hot and cold shutoff valves counter-clockwise to open them. Watch the connections carefully for any drips or spraying water. If you see a leak, immediately shut off the water and slightly tighten the corresponding line nut.
- Flush the System: Turn the faucet handle on (both hot and cold) and let the water run for a full minute. This flushes out air and any small sediment particles from the new lines.
- Reinstall Aerator: Turn the water off. Screw the aerator back onto the spout.
Leak Inspection
This is the final, crucial inspection phase of the kitchen faucet replacement steps.
- Visual Check: Look closely at all connections under the sink—at the valves and at the faucet base mounting nuts. Run your fingers over the fittings to feel for moisture.
- Pressure Test: Turn the water back on fully. Operate the faucet at full pressure, moving the handle between hot, cold, and mixed positions for several minutes. Check for drips while the water is running and after it is turned off.
- Wipe Dry and Wait: Wipe every connection completely dry. Wait 15 minutes and check again. If everything is bone dry, you succeeded in making a tight seal!
Maintenance Tips for Your New Faucet
A new faucet lasts longer with simple care.
- Cleaning: Use mild soap and water or a 50/50 vinegar/water solution for cleaning. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Aerator Cleaning: Periodically unscrew the aerator and clean out any mineral buildup or debris to maintain good water flow.
- Checking Connections: Every six months, quickly check the plumbing under sink connections to ensure the supply lines remain tight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of wrench is best to disconnect old faucet hardware?
A basin wrench is usually the best tool. It is specifically designed with a long handle and a pivoting jaw to reach and grip the round mounting nut faucet fittings located in the tight space behind the sink bowl.
Can I replace kitchen faucet if I have a granite countertop?
Yes, you can. The process is nearly identical, but you must be extremely careful when scraping off old caulk or putty to avoid scratching the stone. Do not use excessive force when tightening the mounting nuts, as granite can crack under too much localized pressure. Silicone caulk is often preferred over plumber’s putty on stone surfaces.
How do I tighten faucet lines if they start leaking after installation?
If a leak appears at the connection point between the supply line and the shutoff valve, turn off the water immediately. Try tightening the connection nut slightly (about an eighth of a turn). If the leak persists, you may need to disconnect the line, inspect the small rubber washer inside the coupling nut, and ensure it is seated correctly before reattaching and tightening again.
What should I use to seal new faucet base to prevent leaks onto my counter?
Most modern faucets come with a rubber or foam gasket that acts as the primary seal. If the instructions call for extra sealing, use a thin bead of 100% silicone caulk around the underside edge of the faucet base or deck plate before setting it down. Plumber’s putty is also an option, but silicone lasts longer and is less likely to squeeze out messily.
What if I cannot reach the plumbing under sink?
If you have very limited space or mobility issues, you may need to call a professional plumber. Alternatively, you can purchase specialized, compact faucet wrenches or work in short intervals, using small pillows or knee pads for support. Sometimes, removing the cabinet doors entirely can provide crucial extra inches of access.